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Kyoto

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Japan

# Nine Hours Kyoto – Capsule Hotel Experience in Kyoto, Japan

Nine Hours Kyoto is a unique capsule hotel located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, offering a modern and minimalist lodging experience. This innovative accommodation combines affordability with comfort, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a distinctive stay. Established to provide a blend of privacy and community, Nine Hours Kyoto has become a popular choice among tourists and locals alike. Guests appreciate the clean, well-maintained facilities and the hotel's proximity to attractions like Gion and Nishiki Market, which enhances its appeal. With a focus on efficiency and modern design, this capsule hotel has garnered positive reviews for its unique concept and value for money.

## History
### The story of Nine Hours Kyoto
Nine Hours Kyoto was founded with a vision to revolutionize the traditional hotel experience by introducing capsule accommodations that maximize space and efficiency. This concept originated in Japan, where space is often limited, and the need for affordable lodging options is high. The founders aimed to create a place where travelers could enjoy a comfortable stay without the high costs associated with conventional hotels.

### Milestones and growth
- **Inception**: The concept of capsule hotels began in the late 1970s in Osaka, Japan, paving the way for similar establishments across the country.
- **Expansion**: Nine Hours Kyoto opened its doors as part of the Nine Hours brand, which has expanded to various locations across Japan, catering to the growing demand for affordable and unique accommodations.
- **Recognition**: Over the years, Nine Hours Kyoto has received numerous accolades for its innovative design and guest experience, solidifying its reputation in the hospitality industry.

### Cultural and local influence
Nine Hours Kyoto reflects Japan's unique blend of tradition and modernity. The capsule hotel concept resonates with the local culture of efficiency and minimalism, appealing to both domestic and international travelers. The hotel’s design incorporates elements of Japanese aesthetics, creating a serene environment that enhances the overall guest experience.

### Continuing the tradition
As capsule hotels gain popularity worldwide, Nine Hours Kyoto continues to uphold its commitment to quality and innovation. The hotel regularly updates its facilities and services to meet the evolving needs of guests while maintaining its core philosophy of providing an affordable yet comfortable lodging experience.

## Community
### Community involvement
Nine Hours Kyoto actively engages with the local community by promoting cultural exchange and supporting local businesses. The hotel encourages guests to explore nearby attractions, such as traditional markets and historical sites, fostering a sense of connection between visitors and the local culture.

### Community notion about the place
The local community views Nine Hours Kyoto as a valuable addition to the hospitality landscape, offering a unique lodging option that attracts tourists while promoting the city’s cultural heritage. Many locals appreciate the hotel’s efforts to maintain cleanliness and provide a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.

### Events and gatherings
While Nine Hours Kyoto primarily focuses on accommodations, it occasionally hosts events that promote local culture and tourism. These gatherings provide an opportunity for guests to interact with locals and learn more about Kyoto’s rich history and traditions, further enhancing the community’s connection with visitors.

## Offerings
### What Nine Hours Kyoto offers
Nine Hours Kyoto provides a range of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. The hotel features gender-segregated sleeping quarters, ensuring privacy and comfort for all guests. Each capsule is equipped with modern lighting, charging outlets, and a cozy sleeping environment, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a unique experience.

### Dining and food experience
While Nine Hours Kyoto does not have an on-site restaurant, it is conveniently located near numerous dining options. Guests can explore local eateries and convenience stores, offering a variety of traditional Japanese cuisine and snacks. This proximity to food options allows guests to experience Kyoto’s culinary scene without the need for extensive travel.

### Events and packages
Nine Hours Kyoto offers flexible booking options, allowing guests to choose from single-night stays to longer accommodations. However, guests must check out daily, which some find inconvenient. The hotel also provides packages that may include discounts for extended stays or special promotions during peak travel seasons, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

### Facilities and features
- Gender-segregated sleeping quarters
- Modern capsule design with individual lighting
- Charging outlets in each pod
- Shared shower and restroom facilities
- Convenient location near local attractions
- Clean and well-maintained environment

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Guests have shared a variety of experiences at Nine Hours Kyoto, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the capsule hotel concept. Many appreciate the cleanliness, modern design, and affordability, while others note some inconveniences related to the layout and amenities.

### Compliments and strengths
- **Cleanliness**: The hotel is consistently praised for its cleanliness and maintenance, with many guests noting the regular cleaning of shared facilities.
- **Affordability**: With rates typically around $25-30 per night, Nine Hours Kyoto offers a budget-friendly option for travelers.
- **Unique experience**: Many guests find the capsule hotel experience to be fun and memorable, making it a worthwhile stay during their visit to Kyoto.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
- **Noise levels**: Some guests report that noise can be an issue, particularly if they are near snorers or other noisy guests. Earplugs are recommended for a more restful sleep.
- **Inconvenient layout**: The requirement to check out daily and the separation of lockers and sleeping areas can be inconvenient for some guests, particularly those with larger luggage.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Nine Hours Kyoto provides a unique and affordable lodging experience that appeals to a wide range of travelers. While there are some drawbacks, such as noise and layout inconveniences, the hotel’s strengths in cleanliness, location, and modern design make it a popular choice for those looking to experience Kyoto in a new way.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Nine Hours Kyoto is situated in the bustling city of Kyoto, specifically in the Shijo area, which is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. The hotel is conveniently located at 下京区寺町通四条下る貞安前之町588, Kyoto, 600-8031, placing it within walking distance of several key attractions, including the historic Gion district and the famous Nishiki Market. Guests can easily explore the nearby temples, shrines, and shopping districts, making it an ideal base for discovering Kyoto's unique charm.

## FAQs
**What is the check-in and check-out time** Check-in is at 12 PM and check-out is at 10 AM daily.
**Are the sleeping quarters gender-segregated** Yes, the sleeping areas are separated by gender for privacy.
**Is there a dining option on-site** No, but there are many dining options nearby.
**Do I need to bring my own toiletries** Basic toiletries are provided, but guests may want to bring personal items.
**Is the hotel suitable for families** The capsule hotel experience is not recommended for families with young children due to the shared facilities.

## Visit Nine Hours Kyoto Today
Experience the unique charm of Nine Hours Kyoto, where modern design meets affordability in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. With its clean facilities, friendly staff, and proximity to local attractions, this capsule hotel offers a memorable stay for travelers seeking something different. Whether you're visiting for a night or planning an extended stay, Nine Hours Kyoto provides a comfortable and efficient lodging option that allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this historic city. Book your stay today and discover the innovative world of capsule hotels!

609840e2-892d-45bb-8db0-070f3d14c376

First time at a Capsule Hotel and it was amazing! Obviously it is not as spacious as a real hotel room, but you'd be surprised how much space there are inside the pod. I did not feel claustrophobic at all. They have plenty of shower rooms, sinks and toilets so there aren't any lineups. Everything is so clean, modern and minimalistic it is amazing. Since a lot of people share the same room there are a lot of movements, but after midnight it gets quieter. You can hear everything so be considerate of other guests. Don't bring kids in those places! Location wise it is right next to Gion and Nishiki Market!

77eabeee-ba23-4380-b734-b574ec293b71

What an experience! Clean facilities. Amenities are basic but adequate. Living quarters are hard and with very little sound proofing. You will hear everything from your roommates opening up theier bags to them accidentally hitting the sides of the capsule. This place was, at first cluster phobic but I settled in after I turned the lights down. The ambient lighting option actually wakes you up. It gets super bright in your pod. Bring ear plugs and a extension cord.

5b16d89d-d917-4d7e-a0de-68a46925d3dd

This was my first time staying in a capsule hotel & it was AMAZING! I cannot stop raving about it and recommending this experience as a must do to anyone visiting Japan. Check in was super simple and honestly such a steal at around $25USD a night The rooms are divided by gender, there are so many showers, toilets, sinks, makeup mirrors and everything is super spotless and clean. I was so impressed with how clean and enjoyable this was. You are assigned a pod and a locker for all of your belongs. You are also given pajamas to sleep in. The pods are very spacious and I had no issue with it being noisy. The pods also have their own lighting and outlets. I had the best time here and will 100% be returning every time im in Japan!!

eff3b889-4e78-4d39-bce9-805f472efe4b

First time staying at a capsule hotel... I love it. Super fun experience. It ain't a 5 star Ritz Carlton, but it's hella cool. Firstly, the location of this Nine Hours is bombbbb. It's super close to tons of attractions, there's a variety of convenience stores right around the corner (who doesn't love Japanese conbinis?!?!), ANDDD close to lots of shopping! In this area, there are also many transportation options available - buses and subways for your easy access. The process of staying here is pretty simple and intuitive: - Check in at the front desk with their provided iPad - Each guest receives a shoe locker key and paper card which contains your own barcode, pod number, locker number, and wifi. They also give you a piece of paper containing all the rules and pod instructions. - Store your shoes in the shoe locker at the front door, put on your very own pair of slippers that you must wear throughout the building - Head up to the washroom-shower area to store your luggage, jackets. These lockers here are large enough to fit carry-on size for sure, but if your luggage is too big you can just leave it in the main lobby underneath the stand-up counter. (Note: If you're just leaving your large luggage in the main lobby, there's no security to safekeep your stuff... it's all based on honesty and trust!) - Shower, do your business, put on your face, brush your teeth all in this washroom-shower area. In your locker, PJs, tooth brush, toothpaste are included. There's also shampoo and body soap provided in the showers. - Head up to the sleeping quarters - each floor has a washroom - Find yo pod AND GET COMFFYYYYY. The sheet that they gave you when you first checked in? Use that to set your light alarm and learn how to adjust the lightning. - Each pod has a pillow and a blanket. The pillow ain't the comfiest and fluffiest but it works. The mattress def ain't the thickest, but it also works. The blanket is super crunchy, it's a louuuud ass blanket LOL and can get quite warm through the night. The facilities here are so CLEAN. I was worried that since the washrooms and showers are shared, that it would end up being messy/dirty, this was not the case. Srsly, someone was cleaning the washrooms at 1AM, hell yah. Sleeping in the pods itself is actually not that bad! There's plenty of room to move around and roll around and sit up (FINALLY, my shortness has a benefit haha! haaailllll yaaaahhh). On the control panel, there are outlets to plug your phone charger in and a little ledge to hold your phone as it charges and to hold your key and card. HOWEVERRR, there are definitely some negatives to these capsule hotels. If you happen to have the bottom bunk, you will def hear your upstairs neighbour walking up and settling into their bed. AND if you happen to be surrounded by a bunch of snorers, you will def hear that too. Luckily for me, I did not encounter any of the above scenarios, but my male travelling companions complained of exactly those. The staff here are super friendly and very hardworking! Even at 1AM, the staff was cleaning the showers and the washrooms, super impressed. Also, if you need any assistance or advice in your Kyoto adventures, don't hesitate to ask them for help... they are extremely helpful. FYI, Males and Females are segregated! There are specific floors and elevators for males and females. My tip: Bring a little bag/purse to hold your key and paper access card (and your other knick knacks that you like to keep by your side). I feel like the paper card can be lost very easily because it's not exceptionally thick, it's literally a piece of cardstock. You also have to check-out each night regardless of how many consecutive nights you are staying... a bit inconvenient if you stay multiple nights. But for those staying just 1 night for the experience, mehh makes no diff.

fad9d78b-63b3-47ef-91c9-05f73665a35b

Okay, if you're thinking that you want to try this for the experience, learn from me and skip it. I wanted to experience this just for fun and because, let's face it, it's cheap. I got a deal for just $21 for a night. But there are so many more amazing experiences in Japan, spend your time on those instead of riding an elevator up and down here. The staff was okay but not overly friendly. They did speak English so that was helpful. So why the bad review? Well, for starters, the entry was dirty. I mean, with everything being white, you can't help but notice the balls of hair and dust, and not just in the corner. It was pretty gross. Maybe they just missed the entry area when they were cleaning? But it was dirty when we checked in and dirty when we went out later that night. Very uncharacteristic of Japan. Admittedly, it was cleaner the next day. While on the subject of cleanliness, the shower had mildew on the grout. Not just a spot or two. We're talking like spots all over the shower. Again, seemed so out of character for Japan. Maybe that's why I noticed it. Even if the place were spotless, I would still recommend against it, just for the huge inconvenience of it all. First, the lockers are on a different floor from the sleeping area. And not just 1 floor away but all the way on the 9th floor with only one tiny elevator (3-4 people max) for ALL the male guests. So say you forgot something in your locker. Get up, wait for the elevator, ride up to the 9th floor, go to the locker room, retrieve said item, wait for the elevator, ride down to your sleeping floor and go back to your capsule. Really a pain since you can't really bring much with you to your sleeping area. So let's go back to the locker room. If you have an actual suitcase vs. a small daypack or something, the locker will become a source of tremendous irritation. First, the locker actually fit my 24" hard-shell suitcase, but just. In order to fit it in there, you have to open the door fully and because of that, my door accidentally locked my travel companion's locker with his key still inside the locker. Whoops! Down 9 floors in the elevator to get another key and back up 9 floors. Ugh. Anyway, back to the locker. So this locker room is like a gym locker room but there are no benches near or in-between the lockers where you can sit or put things down while you change clothes or anything. There is only a small, partial shelf inside the locker and everything falls off this shelf. So if you have to open your suitcase, you have to open it in the aisle on the floor, forcing everyone to step over or around your open suitcase. Not fun. Especially if you are near the entryway to the locker room, which, unfortunately, we were. Argh! If your suitcase is too big, you have to leave it in the lobby, which is even less fun. Now for the pod itself. It was large enough but beware that there is only one (or were there two?) outlets and only a small shelf. The shelf only held my phone. But I had to charge my phone, spare battery, camera, tablet, watch and router. So I had them all lined up like little soldiers around my head, wedged between the mattress and the wall to cover all those charging lights. Then the pillow. OMG, that cursed pillow. See my picture. That was the actual, permanent shape of the pillow. And it was hard as rock. I tried to re-arrange it and when I took the pillow out of the case, I was in for a shock. The pillow was TWICE the size of the pillow case and was just jammed in this small pillowcase. So there was no give and it was all misshapen. I went all the way down to the lobby only to be told those are the only pillows. You've got to be kidding. So I unstuffed some of it so that I could actually put my head on a softer portion and slept on that part. So was this experience worth the $21? No way. Let me say that again. NO WAY. I would have gladly paid for another night at the wonderful ryokan we stayed at for the rest of our time in Kyoto. Our friends in Japan said they would never stay there...and from what we saw, there were pretty much only tourists there. So is this really a Japanese experience? I let my naivete lead us on a bad experience...next time I'll know better.

b0a6f129-b7c3-4756-a6eb-c5d7315752db

Probably the #1 asked about part of my Japan trip when I got back to the US (apart from the double eyelid tape I tried on). Around $30-40 a night, this capsule hotel is an awesome experience! It's right next to the busy Gion district of Kyoto where you may be lucky enough to spot a geisha or two and get your shopping done. We decided to stay for one night just to try it out, and it was totally worth it and here's why: - very clean - change into the pajamas they give you (optional), and wear slippers around - has everything you'd need in the showers (high water pressure, body wash, shampoo, conditioner) - had a very comfortable and relaxing sleep inside the capsule, which isn't too small contrary to popular belief - friendly and English speaking staff Only reason I think it'd be inconvenient to stay here more than one day is because you have to check-out and check-in everyday, even if you're staying for multiple days. This makes it inconvenient to leave your belongings. It's also located next to two 24-hour convenience stores that has everything you'd need, an electronics store next door, and a pretty popular rice-thing lunch stand directly across the hotel that opens around 11am (which I didn't get to try unfortunately).

cb630333-cc03-4a69-add5-78231e439609

This review is based on a two day stay on Kyoto. The hotel is located slightly to the north easy of Kyoto and in walking distance to several shrines and the Nishiki market. The area also is a main shopping district so you can do plenty of doing and eating. Transportation: I learned that in Kyoto... It is best to take the bus wherever you go. The one day pass can be bought for 500 ¥ which is less than 5 USD. There are several bus and train stations that were close to the hotel. Hotel \ stay: The capsule hotel has lockers which is to small for most suitcases, but larger bags can be kept on the first floor lounge area. Make sure that you don't keep high value possessions in those bags. Men and women are separated by floors and each capsule is considerably large. My friend who was with me is 6'1 and fit perfectly in it. There is a public area for washing up and includes shampoo, towels, and body wash. Overall, a pleasurable stay. I met a few travel friends there and had fun. The staff does speak some English. As a quick tip, the check in time is 12pm and checkout is 10pm, and you have to checkout and in every day if you are planning several nights at this location. You will have to empty your lockers but there are several good coffee and breakfast shops nearby.

baaff74e-a1eb-4393-962a-6f7a633fbda1

It gets HOT in here. We stayed on the fourth floor for females only. Inside the unit it has one charging location, two small shelves to place your items on and a small clock console with the ability to set an alarm for in the morning. Lockers and bathroom facilities are located on the third floor. You'll receive a QR code at check in that you can use to open your locker. Take a picture of it if you're afraid you'll lose it. You can use the picture to open your locker too! The bathrooms are very basic and only come with the essentials: hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Bring anything else you may need yourself! The shower rooms are really interesting: you'll open a door to a small dressing area, the next compartment is the shower room. Then there will be another door that leads to a tiled walk way connected to all other shower stalls. This walkway will lead you to the communal bath area where you can soak and relax. For the price, it's definitely worth it! However, Personally I like to sleep in colder temperatures so I woke up 3-4 times since it was so hot inside the unit!

31584b30-6ff9-43c1-b372-5eddd95b307d

Perfect for the non Bougie travelers. All we needed a place to sleep and shower without being ghetto and 9hours was absolutely perfect. For less than $30/person you can sleep in a capsule! If you're severely claustrophobic maybe this isn't for you. Floors are separated by gender. Everyone gets their own locker for shoes (at the front) and for luggage. If your luggage doesn't fit you can leave at the front desk. We did this after checkout. Having said that.... Checkout. You have to checkout everyday even if you book a 2 night stay like we did. Checkout is before 10 but you can do it anytime before that if you're gonna leave at 5 like we did and check in is after 12 but we checked in late each night. They didn't care. You pay separately each night. Its freezing in the locker rooms so it was amazing they had heated toilet seats. Lights shuts off after a minute so you have to wave your arms around if you're gonna be a while. Only 2 toilets on each floor. This was never a problem because we woke up early. Everyone gets a set of tiny PJs, slippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, and towel. The pods itself were the best part. It felt like I was a kid in a fort or I was in deep space travel. Each pod has an outlet. Absolutely cozy. I would bring headphones or earplugs because if the polar bear next to you snores you'll be up all night. Good thing I'm a deep sleeper. I love this hotel!!!! Please try it.

d0295d6e-e42f-4a38-afd0-bab9daec3de3

It's a capsule hotel, so the only reason you should be here is to get a roof over your head. I got my bed for roughly $29 USD and they provide you the same amenities you'd get at a hotel, but also with set of jammies. If you're over 5'9", you most likely won't be able to sit upright in your bed. While I was there, there were no vending machines available on the men's floors, meaning I'd have to go onto the women's only floor to hit them up. All in all, a decent experience, but I'll stick to AirBnB for the extra space.

Discover Nine Hours Kyoto, a unique hotel experience in Kyoto's historic district. Enjoy modern comfort and easy access to cultural treasures. Book now!

Nine Hours Kyoto Hotel in Historic Kyoto - Modern Comfort

Kyoto City

ナイン アワーズ 京都

Kyoto Prefecture

Discover the innovative Nine Hours Kyoto capsule hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy a futuristic stay, nearby historic sites, and exceptional comfort. Book now!

Experience Stay at Nine Hours Kyoto, Kyoto's Unique Capsule Hotel

Learn about Nine Hours Kyoto, a sleek capsule hotel blending modern design with traditional Kyoto charm. Perfect for travelers seeking comfort and style. Explore more!

About Nine Hours Kyoto, Kyoto's Modern Capsule Hotel in Gion District

Opening hours for Nine Hours Kyoto, Kyoto. Find opening hours for Nine Hours Kyoto, Kyoto on 寺町通四条下る貞安前之町588.

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